Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid La Liga 14-12-2024
La Liga

Real Madrid Held to a 3-3 Draw by Rayo Vallecano

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Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid All Goals & Highlights La Liga 14-12-2024


Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano delivered a pulsating six-goal spectacle, but Los Blancos missed the chance to reclaim the top spot in La Liga. Despite Jude Bellingham’s crucial goal, Carlo Ancelotti’s side had to settle for a 3-3 draw at the Estadio de Vallecas. The result leaves Real Madrid with 37 points after 17 matches, one point behind league leaders Barcelona.

Rayo Vallecano’s Early Dominance

The match began with a shock for Real Madrid as Rayo Vallecano took the lead just four minutes in. Jorge de Frutos delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, finding Unai Lopez unmarked in the box. Lopez made no mistake, heading the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give the home side a dream start.

Rayo doubled their advantage in the 36th minute. Isi Palazon’s perfectly placed corner found Abdul Mumin at the back post, and the defender nodded the ball into the net, leaving Courtois helpless. At 2-0 down, Real Madrid looked rattled, but their response was swift.

Real Madrid’s Comeback Sparked by Valverde

Federico Valverde reignited Real Madrid’s hopes just three minutes after Rayo’s second goal. The Uruguayan unleashed a thunderous strike from 30 yards out, which flew past Augusto Batalla and into the bottom corner. The goal gave Los Blancos the momentum they desperately needed.

Jude Bellingham, who has been in sensational form this season, leveled the scoreline just before halftime. The English midfielder connected with Rodrygo’s precise cross, directing the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 2-2.

Second-Half Drama

The second half saw Real Madrid take the lead for the first time in the match. Rodrygo, who had been instrumental in the first half, fired a stunning shot from the edge of the box into the top corner, putting Los Blancos 3-2 ahead.

However, Rayo Vallecano refused to back down. Isi Palazon, who had been a constant threat, managed to get a touch on Florian Lejeune’s delivery, guiding the ball past Courtois to equalize at 3-3.

Late Chances and What’s Next

Both teams had opportunities to snatch a winner in the closing stages. Courtois produced a brilliant save to deny Lejeune’s free-kick in the dying moments, ensuring the match ended in a draw.

Real Madrid now shifts focus to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca on December 18 in Qatar. They will then host Sevilla on December 22 in La Liga. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano faces two tough away fixtures against Villarreal and Real Betis before the Christmas break.

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